How to Call Eritrea
Complete guide to dialing Eritrea (country code +291)
Calling Eritrea doesn't have to be complicated once you understand the proper dialing process. Whether you're connecting with family, conducting business, or reaching out to friends, knowing how to call Eritrea correctly ensures your call goes through smoothly every time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Eritrea from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, share important phone etiquette tips to help you communicate respectfully, and provide useful numbers you might need during your stay or for emergency contacts. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making international calls to Eritrea and understanding the country's telecommunications system. Let's get started with the basics of connecting to this East African nation.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format to Eritrea
To call Eritrea (country code +291), you need to follow the international dialing structure: Exit Code + 291 + Local Number. The exit code varies by country, while Eritrea's country code remains constant at 291.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
Dial 011 (exit code) + 291 + local number
- Example: 011-291-1-123456
From UK:
Dial 00 (exit code) + 291 + local number
- Example: 00-291-1-123456
From Australia:
Dial 0011 (exit code) + 291 + local number
- Example: 0011-291-1-123456
Using mobile phones or VoIP:
Simply dial + 291 + local number (the + symbol replaces any exit code)
- Example: +291-1-123456
Important Note About Leading Zeros
When dialing Eritrea internationally, drop the leading zero from the local number if it exists. For instance, if a local Eritrean number is 01-123456, you would dial only 1-123456 after the country code.
Specific Examples for Different Number Types
Calling an Asmara landline (area code 1) from USA:
011-291-1-123456
Calling an Asmara landline from UK:
00-291-1-123456
Calling a mobile number (starting with 7) from USA:
011-291-7-123456
Note: Eritrean mobile numbers typically begin with 7 or 8
Calling a mobile number from any country using + format:
+291-7-123456
Calling Massawa landline (area code 5) from Australia:
0011-291-5-123456
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Find your country's international exit code (011 for USA, 00 for most European countries)
- Dial the exit code or use + on mobile devices
- Enter 291 (Eritrea's country code)
- Remove any leading zero from the local number
- Dial the area code and local number
- Press call
This format ensures successful connection to any Eritrean number worldwide.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Eritrea, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Eritrean phone numbers often start with 0 domestically, but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. If the local number is 07-123-456, dial +291-7-123-456, not +291-07-123-456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use incorrect exit codes for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries differ (00 for UK/Europe, 0011 for Australia). Using "+" instead works universally on mobile phones and bypasses this confusion.
3. Confusing country code with area code
291 is Eritrea's country code, not an area code. You must dial +291 first, then the local number. Don't add additional codes before the country code.
4. Including incorrect spacing
While spaces don't affect digital dialing, incorrect formatting causes confusion when saving contacts. Use consistent formatting: +291-X-XXX-XXX.
5. Not accounting for time differences
Eritrea uses East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3). Check the time difference to avoid calling during inconvenient hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Eritrea, proper phone etiquette reflects respect and cultural awareness. Understanding these customs helps build stronger personal and business relationships.
Always begin calls with warm greetings. Ask "Kemey aleka?" (How are you?) in Tigrinya or use appropriate greetings in other local languages like Tigre or Arabic. Take time for pleasantries before discussing your main purpose, as rushing appears rude.
For business calls, maintain formality and use titles such as "Ato" (Mr.) or "Weyzero" (Mrs.) followed by the person's first name. Business conversations typically happen during working hours, between 8 AM and 5 PM, avoiding lunch breaks around noon. Personal calls are more flexible but avoid calling early mornings before 8 AM or late evenings after 9 PM unless previously agreed upon.
Eritreans generally appreciate direct conversation over voice messages. If you must leave a message, keep it brief and clear, stating your name and purpose. Follow up with another call rather than expecting a returned call, as some people prefer direct communication.
Religious and family considerations matter significantly. Avoid making non-urgent calls during Orthodox Christian prayer times or Muslim prayer hours. Show patience during conversations, as building rapport takes precedence over efficiency.
Speaking respectfully and maintaining a pleasant tone throughout the call demonstrates good manners. Remember that relationships matter deeply in Eritrean culture, so investing time in proper phone etiquette strengthens connections and shows genuine respect.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Fire Department: 116
Ambulance: 114
Eritrea's emergency services operate through these dedicated numbers, though infrastructure limitations may affect response times, particularly outside the capital, Asmara. These services primarily operate in Tigrinya and Arabic, with limited English-speaking operators available. Mobile phone coverage can be unrestricted in urban areas, but service may be inconsistent in rural regions.
It's important to note that emergency response capabilities vary significantly across the country. The numbers are free to call from landlines, though mobile phone access may depend on your service provider. For foreigners, contacting your embassy directly in emergencies is strongly recommended, as they can provide additional support and liaise with local authorities. Keep embassy contact information readily accessible when traveling in Eritrea.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Enquiries: 11 (domestic number information)
- International Directory: 117 (for overseas number inquiries)
Operator Services
- International Operator: 119 (assistance with international calls)
- Domestic Operator: 110 (help with local connections)
Government & Tourism
- Ministry of Tourism: +291-1-126997
- Tourist Information Center (Asmara): +291-1-120245
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy Asmara: +291-1-120004
- British Embassy: +291-1-120145
- Italian Embassy: +291-1-120160
Additional Services
- Telecommunications Office: 127 (technical support)
- Immigration Services: +291-1-127649
- Port Authority (Massawa): +291-5-552005
Note: Mobile coverage varies outside Asmara. International roaming is limited; consider purchasing local SIM cards for reliable connectivity.
Tips for Calling Eritrea
When calling Eritrea (UTC+3), timing is crucial for successful connections. The country is typically 3 hours ahead of London, 8 hours ahead of New York, and 5 hours behind Sydney.
For business calls, aim for Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM Eritrean time, when offices are most active. Avoid Mondays, as many businesses catch up from the weekend. Standard business hours run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a midday break.
Always schedule business calls in advance via email, as drop-in calls may not receive attention. Off-peak calling (evenings and weekends) often provides better line quality and lower rates for personal conversations.
Avoid calling during major holidays: Independence Day (May 24), Martyrs' Day (June 20), and Revolution Day (September 1). Religious holidays like Eid and Christmas (Eritrea celebrates both Islamic and Christian holidays) also warrant caution.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via follow-up email. Mobile networks can be unreliable, so landlines are preferable for business matters. Keep calls concise, as international connections may experience delays or interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Eritrea is +291. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Eritrea from anywhere in the world.
To dial Eritrea from your cell phone, first dial your country's international exit code (or use +), then 291 (Eritrea's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +291-X-XXXXXX.
Yes, if the local Eritrean phone number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +291, enter the phone number without the leading zero.
The cheapest way to call Eritrea is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Eritrea.
In Eritrea, the main emergency numbers are: 112 or 113 for police, 114 for fire services, and 116 for ambulance services. These numbers can be dialed locally within Eritrea for emergency assistance.
Yes, you can call Eritrea directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Eritrean phone number, and make your call without needing to download any software or apps.
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